2017 Tidewater siting on the sea

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Boating ownership is a big committment, and maintenance with boats is not as simple as maintenance with cars. We're here to clear up some of the most common questions we get to help you get on the water!

  • Does my boat require a registration in New York State ?

  • The law requires you to register any boat that is motor-driven and is operated on public waterways in NYS. The boat requires a registration even if the motor is not the primary source of propulsion. If you operate the boat in NYS, you must register the boat with the DMV. After you register your boat, you receive a registration certificate that indicates the registration number assigned to your boat and a set of registration stickers.

  • How much should I budget annually for maintenance?

  • Most experts recommend budgeting 5-10% of the vessel's value annually for maintenance, insurance, dockage and insurance. Naturally this will vary considerably depending on the vessel, her usage and owner's standards, but it's a good rule of thumb.

  • What's the difference between inboard/outboard and outboards?

  • The most common types of engines are either inboard/outboards, or outboards. Outboards reside on the back of the boat, and can be seen easily. Inboard/outboards reside inside the hull of the boat. Here, we break down some of the principal differences in maintenance schedules, between the two boats.
     
       
    Outboards are generally easier to maintain. Everything is in one unit, and easily accessible. 
    I/Os are like car engines inside of a boat; having extra moving parts that need care; wearing down excessively in saltwater.
     

  • What are the benefits of working with a broker?

  • The right broker helps by (a) listening to your needs and recommending types and manufacturers of boats that potentially meet them and (b) then finding the actual boats for sale. There are literally thousands of models by hundreds of different manufacturers, and most people are aware of only a small percentage of them. A broker will have seen and been on more boats than all but the most dedicated buyer. This experience enables the broker to suggest options of which you might have otherwise been unaware.

  • HOW CAN I MAKE SURE THE BOAT I WILL BE MECHANICALLY SOUND AND SEAWORTHY?

  • In the process of buying anything, it's important to make sure it will work for you, and won't cause problems upon delivery. With boats, there are several steps you can take to protect yourself before completing the sale, assuming the seller allows you to.

     
    MARINE SURVEY

    With us, we give you the option to get the vessel inspected by an accredited marine surveyor. They will inspect the hull, electronics, engine, fuel system and wiring and give you a print out report highlighting any issues found during the inspection. 

     
    SEA TRIAL
    You also will go on a sea trial, which is boater's talk for a test drive. During the sea trial, you get to see if you like how the boat steers and planes. You also are able to listen to any odd noises that may arise.
     
    SERVICE HISTORY
    Much like a car, boats need to be maintained the right way. It is always recommended to ask for maintenance records or service logs. Then, compare the hours of the boat to the boats age. Generally, boats are to be used an average of 50hrs per year, especially in New York with a 7-month boating season.
     
    The approach of being cautious could save you thousands of dollars in surprise repairs. 

  • WHERE CAN I STORE A BOAT ONCE I'VE PURCHASED IT? 

  • There are many routes of passage to take in keeping a boat, so we'll discuss the most common ones. 
     
    TRAILER - BRING THE BOAT ON A TRAILER
    Perhaps the easiest way of transporting your boat, you will place your boat on a trailer, and you can bring the boat wherever you need. Having a trailer gives you the convenience to keep the boat on your own property. For this, you will also need a seasonal boat ramp permit, which can range in pricing depending on where you decide to place your boat in the water. 
     
    DOCK SLIP - KEEP THE BOAT IN THE WATER
    Another method of storing your boat during the season is keeping it at a marina, keeping it in the water and giving you ease of access right into the water. 

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